"Mr. Black, these three agents probably don't have accommodations anymore. Could we have them stay in the town instead?"
While Regulus Black was speaking with the three actors, director Guillermo del Toro had already settled things with the agents. After all, the production was being done in a closed set, and the constant presence of agents nearby could sometimes become a distraction.
"Oh, and since some scenes will be shot in town, let's have the agents and some of the props team stay there too."
Regulus Black had already discussed this with Lucy Piddle beforehand. They planned to use her law office in Crimson Town as a supplementary set for the film.
This included scenes at the heroine's home, her father's office, a club, and the bathroom where a murder takes place.
Crimson Manor couldn't provide the required settings for these scenes, but suitable locations could be found in town.
"These are your individual scripts and the agreements. Let's get the contracts signed first."
Lucy Piddle handed each of them a performance contract along with their scripts. The three agents reviewed the documents, and then all three signed the contracts in the hall.
Robert Downey Jr.: $1 millionJennifer Connelly: $1 millionCharlize Theron: $600,000
At the time, they were all still newcomers. Even though Jennifer Connelly had made TV appearances and filmed two movies, being a woman meant her pay was equal to Downey's—no more.
"This is a $20 million production. Even though we're in the UK and I, the investor, am British, it's simpler to settle everything in U.S. dollars. Honestly, I would've liked to offer you all higher salaries, but my agent wouldn't allow it."
Regulus Black pointed at Lucy Piddle nearby, prompting laughter from the three actors. The gesture warmed the atmosphere between them.
"Since we'll be spending some time together, there's a place you absolutely must visit. Follow me."
Regulus Black led the way, followed by the three leads and their agents. Turning around, he noticed even the director had joined them.
They exited the manor, circled around the back, and walked for over ten minutes before arriving at a half-submerged crypt.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the real-life inspiration for our film—Thomas Sharpe and his sister Lucille Sharpe's tomb."
Regulus Black opened the crypt. It was immaculate—spotless inside.
"This mausoleum was built by the novel's author, Edith Cushing, for her husband and his sister. She later sold the estate and left this place of heartbreak to return to America."
Standing in the center of the crypt, Regulus pointed to the coffins on either side and continued.
"I didn't bring you here to scare the ladies, but to help you understand—the characters in this story once truly existed. Their emotions and their reasoning shaped the development and outcome of their tale. From this, we can also see that Edith Cushing was a kind woman. And as the book suggests, perhaps Thomas Sharpe truly loved her. Otherwise, the ending would've been different—she would have become just another sacrifice to this twisted sibling bond."
Having finished his explanation, Regulus led them all back to the manor.
After the group left, two ghosts drifted out from the coffins—Thomas Sharpe and Lucille Sharpe glanced at each other. Thomas let out a long sigh before returning to his coffin, while Lucille stood still for a moment before fading away.
"Is Mr. Black trying to make this a ghost film?"
Robert Downey Jr. asked director Guillermo del Toro from behind.
"No, Mr. Downey. The ghosts are merely one element of the story. The heart of this film lies in emotion and gothic style."
Guillermo del Toro replied with a smile. He had always had a deep love for dark, gothic film aesthetics, which was why he accepted the invitation without hesitation.
Back at the manor, Regulus Black arranged bedrooms for the three actors. They were all placed on the south side of the second floor. The east wing was given to the director and the special effects team. The west side was already occupied by the props department, which had even taken over the northern library.
"Mr. Black, we found these clothes while we were cleaning."
David Robinson pointed to several boxes filled with clothing from a century ago. They were well-preserved, thanks to the magic the Black family had placed here long ago. While the house couldn't withstand the ravages of time, some of the sealed items remained in remarkably good condition.
"I've already said, these can be used as props. If they're not suitable, we can recreate them based on their appearance—but the originals must not be altered."
Regulus Black knew the props team was probably planning to make some changes to the clothes, and that was absolutely unacceptable!
"These are really clothes from a hundred years ago? They're beautiful!"
Two actresses squeezed in with eyes sparkling, even director Guillermo del Toro came over to take a look.
Two members of the props team dragged over a clothing rack and began carefully hanging the garments from the boxes, one by one.
"These are noble garments from a century ago—the last glory of the Sharp family," Regulus Black explained from behind. Then he picked out one piece and handed it to Charlize Theron.
"This is the wedding dress worn by Lady Edith Cushing. Gothic style—try it on."
Everyone's eyes lit up in anticipation. A woman from the props team led Charlize Theron to the makeup room on the west side.
A while later, Charlize Theron emerged slowly, dressed in the black gothic wedding gown. Her training as a model was evident in every step.
"Lucy! Bring out the set of jewelry I brought."
Regulus Black immediately called out to Lucy Piddell. Soon, a small box was delivered.
He took out a key, unlocked the box, and opened the drawers inside—each layer containing jewelry made from pea-sized crimson gemstones.
Regulus Black first took out a five-layered necklace, the crimson gems woven into a large triangular pattern. Though it covered much of the chest area, it added a majestic, luxurious aura.
Next, he brought out a bracelet and placed it on Charlize Theron's left wrist. It was also adorned with crimson gems. Regulus had borrowed a modern design—the bracelet coiled like a snake, with each segment holding a crimson gem, even the snake's eyes.
Finally, he took out a ring shaped like a flower, composed of seven crimson gems. Holding the ring, he gently took Charlize Theron's right hand and slid it onto her ring finger.
The director immediately waved over the photographer. Regulus Black stepped aside to give space. Click! Click! The sound of the camera shutter continued non-stop. After more than twenty shots, the photographer finally paused, clearly still wanting more.
Charlize Theron, true to her modeling roots, struck various poses during the shoot. Though her movements were subtle, the results were stunning—fully displaying her charm, and highlighting the beauty of the gown and jewelry.
"These are real gemstones. For now, I'm entrusting them to your care."
Regulus Black handed her a small ornate key.
Charlize Theron looked at Regulus Black with shining eyes, clearly trying to interpret his intentions. After all, from the moment she entered showbiz—or rather, from the moment she stepped into the modeling world—she had known just how dirty these circles could be.
If she had given in from the beginning, her career would have skyrocketed long ago. But she hadn't. She had always stuck to regular modeling work, refusing every temptation thrown her way.
Was it finally time to make a choice?
Charlize Theron understood—if she were to sell herself, she should at least do it for a high price. Was this man in front of her worth entrusting herself to, even if just for a while?
Yes, perhaps even if it were only for a while.
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09